Sunday 30, March 2025 {HMC} Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has invited political leaders, including his rivals, to shape a unified national effort to defeat the Al-Shabaab insurgency and strengthen Somalia’s federal system.

Speaking during Eid al-Fitr celebrations on Saturday night, President Mohamud emphasized that defeating Al-Shabaab requires broad political consensus and unity. He thanked political leaders for prioritizing the nation’s unity and called for their inclusion in both security and state-building efforts.

“I am opening the door to politicians and community leaders so that their views and efforts can be part of the fight against the Khawarij and the establishment of a modern state based on democracy and a federal system, operating within our constitution and laws,” the President said. “We welcome all good ideas to preserve our unity.”

The appeal comes amid ongoing tensions with federal member states Puntland and Jubbaland, as well as former Presidents Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, who have accused the current administration of violating constitutional principles, mishandling election preparations, and acting unilaterally in the war on Al-Shabaab.

Former Somali intelligence chief Fahad Yasin Haji Dahir also recently called on the President to convene a national forum to build consensus on a unified counterterrorism strategy. “It is time to show unity and solidarity that can bring about a national plan to counter terrorism that threatens the existence of the nation,” Fahad Yasin said.

Somalia’s ongoing military offensive, backed by clan militias and international partners, has dealt significant blows to Al-Shabaab in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Lower Shabelle regions. However, the group remains entrenched in rural areas and continues to carry out deadly asymmetric attacks.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group designated as a terrorist organization by Somalia, the United States, and the United Nations, has waged a violent insurgency for over 15 years, aiming to overthrow the federal government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Sunday 30, March 2025 {HMC} Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre joined Somali National Army (SNA) troops and local residents in KM-50 area, Lower Shabelle region, to perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer on Sunday morning, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Following the prayer, Prime Minister Barre exchanged greetings with worshippers and delivered remarks honoring their sacrifices during the fasting month.

“May the Almighty accept your fasting, prayers, charity, and sacrifices made over the past 30 days, and fortify you on your spiritual journey,” he said.

Addressing the congregation, Barre called on the residents of Lower Shabelle to unite in the national campaign against Al-Shabaab.

“We must all join together in the fight against Al-Shabaab. As you can see, operations are ongoing in many parts of the country,” he stated.

The visit underscores the federal government’s efforts to galvanize public support and maintain momentum in its intensified military campaign against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group.

Somalia’s military offensive—carried out with the backing of clan militias and international partners—has led to significant territorial gains in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and parts of Lower Shabelle. However, Al-Shabaab remains deeply entrenched in rural areas, where it continues to launch asymmetric attacks.

Al-Shabaab, officially designated a terrorist organization by Somalia, the United States, and the United Nations, has waged an insurgency for over 15 years, aiming to overthrow the federal government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law.